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History of Sex
ENGL284 SP

This course will focus closely on a series of problems in the history and representation of sex in Europe and North America. Some of these problems are the construction of same-sex sexual relationships in ancient Greece; the character of marriage in Europe during the Middle Ages; the development of the ideology of romantic love; prostitution in 19th-century England; and the construction of such modern sexual identities as lesbianism, homosexuality, bisexuality, and heterosexuality. Readings will be drawn from both primary and secondary sources.

MAJOR READINGS

Plato, SYMPOSIUM Kenneth Dover, GREEK HOMOSEXUALITY Paul, EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS Shakespeare, SONNETS Judith Brown, IMMODEST ACTS Freud, THREE CONTRIBUTIONS TO A THEORY OF SEXUALITY Denis Diderot, THE NUN Oscar Wilde, LETTERS Manuel Puig, KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN Emily Martin, THE WOMAN IN THE BODY Michel Foucault, HISTORY OF SEXUALITY

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Approximately seven short papers. Admission is by application only.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

Preference will be given to students who have done university level course work in literature, history, sex and gender studies. No frosh will be admitted. Punctual and regular attendance is required of all who enroll.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: HA ENGL    Grading Mode: Graded   

Prerequisites: NONE

Last Updated on MAR-24-2000

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